Local retailers typically maintain tighter return policies for merchandise to protect their investments because as smaller, independent stores, they don&r...

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Good to knowLocal retailers typically maintain tighter return policies for merchandise to protect their investments because as smaller, independent stores, they don’t order or carry the same volume of inventory as big-box retailers.Infinitely Sweet boutiques at Edgebrook shopping center, for instance, gives customers 30 days to return items for store credit. Owner Krystine Vermeer said she doesn’t offer cash back because she tallies her books every day.“At the moment that cash comes in, I’m counting on that sale,” she said. “The reason we do store credit is because that money has already been accounted for in my system. I do that book work. If I’m booking for something 120 days or 150 days old, that’s way too far back to keep track of.”At Christmastime, the stores will accept returns or exchanges until Jan. 15.Local retailers often have their return and exchange policies clearly posted at the checkout counters or on receipts. Be sure to ask if you don’t see or understand a policy before leaving the store.

“I would say it didn’t even cross our minds,” Ducharme said of shopping local. “It just didn’t. Until I owned a local business, I didn’t realize how much support they really need.”

A big reason for that is name recognition, he said. People have heard of Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Big-box stores spend millions of dollars on advertising and already have locations in many communities, but independent retailers need to work harder to bring in customers.

Ducharme said he and Brandi make it a priority to market through social media sites like Facebook and partner with other local businesses for events and giveaways. They are also members of Winnebago Buy Local, a group that aims to support and promote local businesses.

“The importance comes in with the restaurants and the stores,” Ducharme said. “It’s just a different feeling when we go to these places. You feel more wanted.”

The Ducharmes’ stores also carry other locally made products like a dipping dish from Pizzaz Dezynz and the Rockford Candle from Candle Crest.

It’s not always possible to shop 100 percent of the time at independent retailers, but Ducharme encouraged people to make it a priority when they can.

“What we try to instill in people is make it your first thought,” he said. “When you’re thinking, ‘Oh, I need a new refrigerator,’ think local first and try places like Al Grace. When you need new boots, think The Foot Lodge. Don’t run here or run there. That’s the main thing, is to think local first.”